From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
General Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar and Commander of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has assured the people of Plateau state that despite the spate of attacks, security agencies are making sure that they engage in farming this season as the rainy season sets in.
Abubakar therefore warned those spreading rumours that there would be no farming in the volatile areas to desist from that as security agencies are ready to deal with them ruthlessly.
Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders of Bokkos and Mangu and the Chairman, Chief of Defence Staff fact-finding mission on Plateau crisis and a former OPSH commander, Maj. Gen. Austin Agundu. (rtd) in the face of the recent upsurge in attacks in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi at the auditorium of the headquarters of 3 division, the commander said that the activities of these persons are spreading fear and further escalating the crises in the area.
The GOC sued for peace, saying that it’s a sin qua non to having fruitful harvest as the citizens get ready to engage in farming this year.
He expressed disappointment over the recurring attacks in Plateau, stressing that while other areas with similar experiences have moved forward, Plateau state is still reeling under sectarian attacks for more than 20 years.
The OPSH commander said the country is tired of Plateau.
He expressed dismay at the series of negative reportage of the crisis in Plateau, saying that the meeting was to address these security concerns and the spate of isolated attacks in Mangu and Bokkos and prevent further escalation.
Abubakar, who identified the triggers to the crises on Plateau as night grazing, underaged grazing and cattle rustling, said attempt to give religious connotations to the crisis by some people is just to feather their nests.
He said, “This meeting was called to address the recent crisis in Mangu and Bokkos and stop it from escalating as the we go into farming.
“We have identified the triggers of these crises as night grazing, underaged grazing and cattle rustling and isolated killings. We must desist from these activities as they trigger these crises.
“Again some people are spreading rumours that there will no farming as a result of these crises. I am warning them to rethink their stance that there will be no farming as a result of cattle rustling. There will be farming and we must all farm this year because we were not able to farm last year.
“We know that those perpetrating these acts are from within the community and we continue to get reports about their activities. We will not spare anybody, even if he’s among the security agencies.”
The GOC said that the soldier who killed a civilian had been identified as is currently facing a court martial.
He said that without prejudice to what will be the outcome of the trial, the soldier’s action was pure manslaughter and must be treated as such.
The Commander said that his representative had visited the family and parents of the victim and put the situation under control. He assured that everything would be done to assuage the feelings of the family of the victim.
He frowned at the acts of sing female and children to attack troops, warning that it must be stopped.
Abubakar said stringent measures must be taken against persons who attack personnel of OPSH. He showed videos of personnel who were killed and those receiving treatment at various hospitals.
On the recent attack in Bokkos, which led to a protest by PLASU students following to to killing of a student, the GOC said that the students went on a violent protest, and attacked personnel.
He said that a recent video trending of soldiers firing at students were warning firing shots fired to disperse them
“No time was university under attack. Students defied the warning of the CSO of the institution and retreated into an adjoining community to attack it. It was the same troop that intervened. In to the process Three motor cycles and three AK rifles were recovered. Troops had been withdrawn from areas attacked and I have vowed not to deploy them to that area until we have assurance of good behaviour.
Among those who attended the meeting were
Chairman, Chief of Defence Staff fact-finding mission on Plateau crisis, Maj. Gen. Austin Agundu. (rtd) Commissioner local government and chieftaincy affairs, Ephraim Usman, Chairman of Bokkos and Mangu local government areas, Special Adviser to Governor on Security and Commander, Operation Rainbow, Maj. Gen. Gakji Shipi, representative of Vice Chancellor, Plateau State University, Bokkos, traditional rulers, student representatives, Acting Director of Programmes, Plateau Peace Agency, Dean of students Affairs, Plateau state university.